New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams last Wednesday celebrated Grenada’s 50th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain, saying that he was “the proud son of Grenadian immigrants.”
“I want to wish a Happy 50th Independence Anniversary to all who share heritage from Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique,” Williams, who and his family had trekked to Grenada to the Golden Jubilee celebrations. “I am forever proud of and shaped by my roots and the time I’ve spent on the “Isle of Spice,” and proud to join in the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
“In my work in New York City, home to tens of thousands of Grenadians, I celebrate and uplift the ways in which Grenadian culture has shaped our communities, and strive to honor the proud history of the island in my work for justice, equity, and liberty,” he added. “We celebrate those values today, as we have throughout five decades of independence, and look to the promising future.”
Following a Special Joint Sitting of the Grenada Parliament on Tuesday, Feb. 6 the public advocate met with local dignitaries and presented Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell with a proclamation.
Williams told Caribbean Life that joining the celebrations and festivities in this jubilant time was “deeply resonant.”
On the island, he said he was able to see Grenada’s history and present, and looks to “its future, through sights, sounds, and captivating cultural celebrations.”
He said “the beauty of the island and its people, the unity and pride, reverberated throughout” his time in Grenada.
“From Grenada to New York City, home of the most people of Grenadian descent outside the island-nation itself, we can work to unite communities together under shared goals, advocating for the people,” Williams said.
He said Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell “has strengthened Grenada with his courage, vision and ambition.
“He has spent his time in office stewarding the nation and moving the country forward alongside his partners in government,” Williams said. “He is a voice for Grenada within the country and to the world.
“He works on behalf of all people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, uniting people together under their flag and shared goals and identity,” he added. “As a pivotal figure, his work is helping to transform Grenada by advancing unity, peace, and harmony.”
In presenting the proclamation to the prime minister, Williams said it “recognizes him for his work in government, advocacy, leadership, dedication, and as an individual worthy of our highest respect and esteem.”
